Let's face it, if you or someone you care about has serious bipolar illness, life can get tough in a big hurry. Each symptom of your bipolar manic depression makes it that much harder to hold down a job.

Mood swings. Mania. Restlessness and irritability that make you unable to concentrate or sleep. Depressive episodes that make you feel sad, empty or hopeless.

Living with this manic or depressive disease can suck the energy right out of you.

You may be taking heavy-duty bipolar medication for your mood disorder. Drugs like Lamictal, Depakote or Trileptal. Meds like this can make you feel tired all the time. Who can work a normal schedule when they are constantly fatigued?

You may be working fewer and fewer hours since your diagnosis of bipolar -- or you may be unable to work at all.